What could happen if a notary fails to maintain impartiality?

If a notary fails to maintain impartiality, the notarization may be deemed invalid. Impartiality is a fundamental principle of notary practice, as notaries are required to act as neutral witnesses to the signing of documents. This ensures that all parties involved can trust that the notary is not favoring one side over another. If a notary shows bias or has a personal interest in the transaction, it compromises the integrity of the notarization. As a result, the document may not hold up in legal situations, leading to potential disputes or challenges regarding its validity. Therefore, maintaining impartiality is crucial for a notary to fulfill their duties effectively and ensure that the notarization is accepted and recognized as valid by the relevant authorities.